As part of the preparations to have the training facilities in place as Uganda readies self to host the forth-coming CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 tournaments, the Government of Uganda has quickly put in place deliberate plans and efforts.
On Tuesday, 21st May 2024, the Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kyambogo University to construct a standard training ground.
Representing the Government, the delegation was led by the minister of state for sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, NCS Board chairperson Ambrose Tashobya, secretary general Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) on the infrastructure committee, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), chief government valuer and other personnel.
Kyambogo University vice-chancellor Professor Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, a distinguished leader in research and research management led the university staff, joined by the chairperson for the management board, university engineer and other staff of the university.
As the memorandum of understanding was inked, a few priorities were set ahead with ground breaking expected to commence as early as next week.
According to Tashobya, the work will be done by UPDF Engineering Brigade. This work is expected to last for three months and will be executed in two phases.
The first phase will have the grading of the facility, perimeter fencing, dressing rooms, drainage and water system, power generator and lavatories with the installation of floodlights.
The second phase will have the VIP stand, medical room, administrative offices, tennis courts and basketball courts.
“We want to achieve the CHAN 2024 target starting with this week as we roll out for AFCON 2027. We shall continue with the mutual interests between Kyambogo University and Government as time goes by.” Tashobya spoke.
Kyambogo University vice-chancellor Professor Katunguka lauded NCS for identifying Kyambogo University to have their sports facilities renovated as he called for efforts of perimeter wall fencing of their entire premises.
“We are glad that NCS identified Kyambogo University as one of the places where the CHAN and AFCON training facilities will be put.We are confident that these facilities will help develop sports within the university and the surrounding communities” Professor Katunguka stated.
State minister for sports Hon. Ogwang expresses the confidence in the main contractors UPDF for the project.
“We have confidence in UPDF who have been contracted to construct the training ground. We witnessed the incredible work done at Namboole renovation which is still on-going. We are sure the work will be delivered on time” Hon. Ogwang remarked.
Col. Eng. Godfrey Tukamwakira, the commander UPDF Engineering Brigade confirmed that everything is in place for the work to commence as soon as 28th May 2024.
“We have a tight time-line to work within. Our consultants are the ministry of Works with guidance from ministry of education and sports, National Council of Sports and FUFA among other stakeholders. We shall deliver to the best of expectations” Col. Eng Tukamwakira revealed.
The entire project is estimated to cost Ug.Shs 14.3 billion upon completion.
The Kyambogo University training ground is one of the venues ear-marked for use in the CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027. Others within Kampala city will be in Mbuya, Makindye and Makerere University.
Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) confirmed the CHAN 2024 tournament to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
For AFCON 2027, another training ground will be put in Hoima city.
In February 2024, Kyambogo University and Government also signed another MOU to develop a state-of-art Cricket and Baseball oval worthy Ug.Shs 50 billion.